Virginia Trail #685
Begins at the forest's mile 0, 37.9994, -80.0079 - no trailhead mapped Drive to where the trail begins
Big Draft Wilderness the Forest Service's write-up
The 5,144 acre Big Draft Wilderness is located on the Southern tip of the Forest, just south of Blue Bend Recreation Area and about five miles north of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. This is a popular area for hikers, hunters, paddles and anglers. The 14- mile trail system is open to hikers and equestrians, and provides numerous scenic views.
Slopes within the area range from 10 to 60% and are typically long ridges with narrow summits and mountain slopes. The primary vegetative type is oak and hickory, with pockets of hemlock and white pine. The understory consists of rhododendron, mixed shrubs, grasses and ferns. The elevations range from 1,800 feet to over 3,100 feet.
The area provides habitat for a diversity of wildlife species. Species within the area include whitetail deer, black bear, grouse, cottontail rabbit, wild turkey and a variety of birds and reptiles.
Restrictions <ul><li>Groups over 10 persons are prohibited in the Wilderness.</li><li>Mountain bikes and mechanical devices such as carts are not allowed on Wilderness trails.</li><li>Horses are not allowed on Blue Bend Trail, TR 614.</li><li>Removal of plants, stone or moss is prohibited.</li><li>Pets must be under your control at all times.</li><li>Motor vehicles are restricted to roads and parking areas.</li><li>Camp at least 200 feet from roads, streams and trails.</li><li>Follow Leave No Trace ethics. More information can be found at <a href="http://www.lnt.org/">www.lnt.org</a>.</li></ul>
Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area the Forest Service's write-up
Encompassing 100,000 acres, the scenic Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area (NRA) contains the highest peak in West Virginia, some of the best rock climbing on the east coast, outstanding views and a chance to enjoy America's great outdoors.
Visitor facilities include the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center , Seneca Shadows and Big Bend Campgrounds , and the Spruce Knob Tower . Many thousands of acres of unspoiled quiet land await discovery. Use your imagination to see how the area may have looked to the early settlers, as they crested the mountain ridges or moved up the river. Imagine living a self-sufficient life on a high hillside farm. Envision the Native Americans gathering food on hunting forays. You will discover not only beauty, but a sense of history in the NRA.